Aerial view of twin beaches separated by a tree-lined sandbar with lush mountains in the background

Phi Phi Island holidays

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A star of the screen, Phi Phi Island holidays offer an intoxicating mix of blonde beaches, pulsing parties and clear waters teeming with colourful fish. Located in the Andaman Sea between Krabi and Phuket, with diving and snorkelling opportunities by day and endless entertainment options at night, this is an exotic Thai getaway with something for everyone.

There are six islands in the Phi Phi island group (also known as Ko Phi-Phi), with Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don being the main attractions for holidaymakers. While you can’t stay on Phi Phi Leh, the second largest island is a popular location for a day trip by boat. The headline attraction here is Maya Bay, which starred in the film The Beach – although, due to overtourism causing environmental issues, the bay has been temporarily shut to allow it to recover.

However, Maya Bay is only one of several magnificent beaches on the islands and you could easily spend your entire Phi Phi island holiday hopping from one powdery-soft stretch to another. Hike or sail to remote bays and coves to lounge and snorkel in peace, or lay your towel in a busier spot and enjoy having bars, restaurants and shops nearby.

If you prefer more active holidays, the islands are a popular location for scuba diving and snorkelling with colourful coral, underwater caves and leopard sharks to spot. And, away from the coastline, you can trek through the jungle or hike to a fantastic viewpoint.

As the sun goes down, let your hair down at a beach bar and dance with the sand between your toes, cocktail in hand; Tonsai Village is a popular location for those who enjoy their evenings on the wilder side. Families and those after quieter nights, look to stay in more remote resorts in the northeast.

When to go to the Phi Phi Islands

Temperatures stay high in the tropical Phi Phi Islands year-round – usually hovering in the late 20s to early 30s – with similarly high sea temperatures. However, the best time to visit weather-wise is between late November and April when it’s driest and there’s less humidity, giving you perfect beach conditions. As to be expected, this is also peak tourist season so expect the islands to be busy.

The rainiest months are September and October; it rains, on average, more than 20 days a month. You can also expect rain in June, July and August but if price is your priority, cheap holiday deals can often be found during these months, and there’s likely to be fewer tourists at the attractions.

On April 13, Thailand celebrates Songkran, a festival marking the start of the Thai New Year, and a traditional part of the celebrations is to throw water. If you’re visiting on this day, be prepared for a giant water fight.

What to do in the Phi Phi Islands

With coconut-tree-backed beaches straight out of a travel brochure, Phi Phi Island holidays are all about relaxation in beautiful surroundings. Be sure to spend some time away from the sand too, as there’s plenty more to discover from a sparkling green lagoon to interesting limestone caves.

The beaches

The beaches on the Phi Phi Islands are undoubtedly a holiday highlight. Nui Beach on Phi Phi Don offers a slice of paradise, where white sands are backed by dark cliffs.

For a different day by the sea, you can get close to free-roaming monkeys on Monkey Beach – just keep an eye on your possessions and don’t feed them – or head to Long Beach, a relatively peaceful option with a handful of restaurants.

Pileh Lagoon

Book a boat trip to this stunning emerald lagoon on the east coast of Phi Phi Leh – it takes around half an hour from Tonsai Bay.

Flanked by impressive limestone cliffs, you can kayak, swim or snorkel in its deliciously warm waters. Look out for brightly coloured fish, and don’t forget your camera to capture the scenery.

Viking Cave

In the northeast of Phi Phi Leh, also reached by boat trips from Tonsai Bay, this limestone cave is named for the curious wall paintings inside.

Perilous bamboo scaffolding is propped up against the caves – here, collectors climb to reach swifts’ nests, the valuable ingredient for the Chinese delicacy, birds’ nest soup. Though you can’t go into the cave, you can snap some interesting pictures as you pass by.

Phi Phi Viewpoint

It’s a 30-minute trek from Ton Sai Village to reach this spectacular viewpoint 186 metres (610 feet) above sea level – but the effort is worth it to look out over Tonsai Village and Loh Dalum Bay, and see Phi Phi Lei.

Wear sensible shoes and take water to do the walk, as it’s a steep climb up a narrow path and steps. There are facilities at the top should you want to enjoy the view with a drink or an ice-cream.

Scuba diving and snorkelling

Many visitors come to the Phi Phi Islands for its fantastic diving opportunities. Among the colourful marine life, look out for leopard sharks and hawksbill turtles swimming through the coral and, sometimes, even whale sharks.

Another way to glimpse the serene underwater world is to snorkel in shallower spots; many resorts will rent the kit out to you for the day. Specialist diving and snorkelling trips, and courses, are available for all levels.

Where to stay in the Phi Phi Islands

For families

If you’re travelling with younger kids, avoid the nightlife hotspot of central Tonsai Village and instead seek out a more peaceful break on Phi Phi Don’s northeastern coast. Loh Bagao Beach (also known as Ao Lo Bakao) is one option, with a sensational white-sand beach backed by coconut trees and an exclusive beach resort.

Another option is to stay near Long Beach, which is close enough to the action of Tonsai Village to dip a toe in but far enough away that partygoers won’t disturb little ones at night. For active kids, there are volleyball nets on the beach here.

For travellers on a budget

If you’re looking for cheap holiday deals and also enjoy staying in a lively location, consider Tonsai Village where you’ll find a range of budget accommodation options, from hostels and budget hotels to bungalows. Being in the heart of the action means you’ll have plenty of dining choices too, which will make it easier to keep overall costs down.

If you’re after a quieter break, there are some budget options near Long Beach (although it’s becoming more expensive) where you’ll find some excellent snorkelling spots, but fewer choices of restaurants and bars.

For food and drink

For a wide range of places to eat in the evening, Tonsai Village is your best bet. You’ll find everything from traditional Thai dishes to international cuisine and, in many restaurants, you’ll be able to eat on the beach (though you may well pay a premium for your setting).

Choices are more limited elsewhere on Phi Phi Don, and is often restricted to hotel restaurants. If food is an important part of a holiday for you, research what your resort or hotel offers and whether there are other options nearby.

For nightlife

Whether your ideal night out consists of cocktails with friends or dancing until the early hours, Tonsai Village is packed full of pubs and bars which attract a fairly young crowd. For parties, fire shows and all-night dancing, Dalum Bay, opposite Tonsai Bay, is the place to head.

As with restaurants, nightlife is more low-key in other parts of Phi Phi Don, with hotel bars or small beach bars as your best options.

For active travellers

The limestone cliffs of the Phi Phi Islands are popular with rock climbers. Stay near Tonsai Village to book tours and lessons from qualified instructors who can show you the best climbing spots.

Long Beach is a great place to stay if you fancy snorkelling. Rent equipment and head into the clear sea. Shark Point – where you can see black reef tip sharks – is a great spot near the beach but be aware that from May to October the swell can be dangerous.